Container Support Plate With Elastic Guide Ring for Fast Format Change
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support plates for container positioning on rotatable tables are complex to manufacture and maintain, require multiple components, and are cumbersome to replace when changing formats due to the use of compression springs and guide pins, leading to difficulties in adapting to different container cross-sections.
Innovation Solution
An elastically deformable inner guide section is integrated into the support plate, allowing for a rigid fixation of the outer attachment section to the base body, reducing the number of components and simplifying replacement, while utilizing 3D printing for additive manufacturing to create customizable and durable guide rings with integrated wear indicators and color coding for easy format adaptation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple compression springs and guide pins are used to support the guide ring, then the guide ring can be elastically supported and containers can be guided, but the device becomes complex to manufacture and maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The guide ring is integrated directly with the base body as a single piece, eliminating the need for separate compression springs and guide pins. The guide ring forms an integral part of the base body, combining multiple previously separate components into one unified structure that is both simpler to manufacture and more reliable in operation.
2Reliability
If a guide ring with separate compression springs is used, then elastic support is achieved, but replacing the guide ring when changing formats becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The guide ring is designed with elastic deformability that allows it to flex and adapt to different container formats. The integrated design with the base body enables the guide ring to be replaced as a single unit while maintaining its elastic support function, making format changes simpler and more efficient.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If lateral guards are separately mounted between compression springs, then protection against accidental contact is provided, but the support plate becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The lateral guards are integrated into the guide ring structure as a unified component rather than being separately mounted. This integration eliminates the need for additional mounting operations and reduces the total number of parts, while still providing effective protection against accidental contact with the containers.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution reduces manufacturing complexity, facilitates easy replacement, and ensures precise centering and protection against accidental contact, while enabling quick and error-free format changes through customizable guide rings with integrated wear indicators.
Implementation Method 1
the inner guide section is elastically deformable relative to the outer fastening section of the guide ring towards the base body
Implementation Method 2
The support plate is preferably supported on the base body by means of at least one compression spring. The at least one compression spring then pushes the support plate axially away from the base body
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A support plate (1) for positioning containers (2), particularly on rotatable container tables (9), is described. The support plate comprises a base body (3), a spring-mounted support plate (4) for a container, and a guide ring (5) with an inner guide section (5a) for circumferential guidance of the container and an outer mounting section (5b) for attachment to the base body. Because the inner guide section is elastically deformable relative to the outer mounting section of the guide ring towards the base body, additional elastic elements, such as compression springs, on the guide ring for axially compliant guidance of container bottoms are unnecessary.